August 21, 2010

Gurnet Trading Co., Brunswick ME

Pure Maine cuisine excellence – bright red, hot, steamed lobsters – tiny fried Maine shrimp – lobster rolls stuffed with chilled chunks of lobster wrapped tenderly in hot buttered and toasted buns. It is all served with the perfect accompaniments, french fries and onion rings, as well as a good dose of Maine attitude (the sign out front announces “Today’s Hrs,” signalling the independent spirit characteristic of so many shops and eateries in Maine). Outside, an eclectic handful of tables and chairs; inside, a counter fronts a tiny kitchen where everything is prepared hot and to order. The lobster tank sits out on the floor off to one side. From time to time, someone comes out from the kitchen, grabs a writhing lobster from the tank, and whisks it into the kitchen and into a hot steam bath. This is the place where locals and seasoned tourists return again and again to enjoy the seafood and the fresh Maine air. We loved everything we ate and we had to come back and try it all again the next day. Gurnet Trading Co. is a new favorite for our family and we hope to be back as soon as summer returns.